Ryan Cassata - “Extended Vacation”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…The Mountain Goats, Kaki King, Frank Turner

Ryan Cassata’s lyrics are vulnerable and raw, an excellent songwriter who turns personal tales into catchy slices of power pop prolifically shared over the last decade. Since his last record, 2016’s Shine, Cassata has shared a string of really affecting singles ranging from Americana yarns to pure pop hooks, all anchored by stories of recovery and growth. A trans artist and activist, Cassata pours himself into his music whether singing of times personal or political (though are those really ever separated?), an artist who really has a way of words in a representational, relatable way. He’s the kind of artist worth cheering for, taking a simple acoustic pop/rock formula but adding little twists of production to avoid any saccharine balladry modes. His happy moments emit charm before opening up the tear-ducts in a life also full of struggle and strife. Above all, the feeling in Ryan Cassata’s music is one of hope and freedom, a mature artist hitting a mid-career stride in his current, pared-back sound. (Kevin McStravick)